There is a rise in the number of workplace suicides. But, on the bright side, businesses can take a number of steps to reduce the risk of workplace suicide. The organization Workplace Strategies for Mental Health recommends the following:

General

• Be aware of individual risk factors. These can include previous suicide attempts; suicide by an acquaintance; addiction or substance abuse; mental illness; access to lethal drugs or weapons; or stigma that discourages employees from seeking help.

• Implement a comprehensive psychological health and safety management system to help improve overall workplace culture and resolve issues more effectively.

• Reduce stigma related to mental health issues so all employees feel safe asking for help.

• Ensure your EAP provides appropriate support and counseling services to those who may have thoughts of suicide.

• Ensure that employees are aware of confidential EAP or community services that are available to help them.

Training

• Be prepared and aware by providing suicide intervention training.

• Increase interpersonal and social competency through training in stress management and coping skills to help individuals deal with problems.

• Raise awareness of organizational and community supports, including expertise through human resource, mental health agencies or EAP to help managers and union representatives make appropriate referrals.

• Resolve workplace issues quickly and effectively to reduce feelings of hopelessness.

Education

• Offer evidence-based suicide prevention education to employees. Provide education to help recognize mental health problems, including warning signs of suicide.

• Promote awareness that many suicides are preventable; make facts available about suicide, risk factors and prevention approaches.

• Ensure employees understand that they are not required to intervene or put themselves at risk if they are ever in the position of responding to a situation of a potential suicide.

• Expand awareness of mental illness and addiction.

• Help reduce stigma associated with mental illness, substance abuse and suicide.

• Encourage help-seeking behaviors for such problems.

• Create a caring work environment in which co-workers support each other. Promote listening and interpersonal skills to help individuals improve their relationships.

Read: Workers fear disclosing a mental health condition